Issue Archive

This technology selectively separates fine and small particles that have a desired particle size range by using the particles’ specific gravity and their various sedimentation rates in a rotating vessel of vibrating liquid. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the vibration, and by controlling the rotation of the vessel, the technology can enlarge what may be a close-to-equal settling ratio for small particles of high specific gravity and larger particles of low specific gravity, so as to achieve accurate separation by cross-sectional dimension or specific gravity.

LOCADIO technology pairs readings of IEEE 802.11× received signal-strength indication (RSSI) with probabilistic analysis of building floor plans to deduce where a wirelessenabled device is in a building. It can locate a wireless device within a room to an accuracy of about 1.5 meters. LOCADIO is “hardware-agnostic” in that it is not tethered to any specific brand of system hardware. LOCADIO complements GPS and RFID technologies, in that it operates indoors, can be implemented for a relatively few wireless-enabled devices, and works at ranges greater than RFID.

An all-terrain, multi-role, hover-capable aircraft has a fuelefficient, rugged, vertical take-off and hover propulsion system. A raised-height, dispersal-resistant hover cushion is projected over the ground by the device as two bisected concentric streams of rotating and counter-rotating torus flume rings. The aircraft is able to clear trees and obstructions above terrain that would be prohibitive for a hovercraft.

By condensing water from the air and soil on chilled pipes, this invention attempts to alleviate both water and food shortage problems. It offers the ability to produce agricultural crops in most hot and humid climates by watering plants with condensation from environmental moisture, and by multiplying the number of crops that can be obtained per season. The production of condensation on pipes’ surfaces irrigates the plants’ roots, cools the roots, and accelerates the plants’ growth.

Philips is offering an innovative technology to dispel humans (and animals) from an area where they are unwanted. The new and patented dispelling light source (DLS) concept is based on disturbance of humans and/or animals using photosensitive stimuli. When switching a DLS system to the specifically programmed flickering mode, it directly induces negative psychological and/or physiological effects such as aversion, discomfort, dazzling, disorientation, fear, or malaise. As a direct result, humans and/or animals will be dispelled from the site. Proper selection of the flicker frequency avoids triggering of photosensitive epilepsy.
DLS-suitable lighting systems comprise high-pressure gas discharge lamps, where the high-pressure sodium lamp exhibits a particular provocative effect. A strong feature of DLS systems is its dual-mode operation: the system operates in the normal application-dependent illumination mode until the system driver is externally triggered by a proximity detector. Once humans and/or animals have been dispelled, the system switches back to normal lamp operation.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

This technology provides an efficient and cost-effective way to measure absolute position in one or two dimensions using a new Point Coupled Linear Transformer (PCLT). The PCLT detects movement and position on flat or curved surfaces. The nature of its design provides the sensor with excellent linearity, its DC output voltage allowing it to be used as a direct drop-in replacement for other position sensors.
To date, inductive sensors (LVDT/RVDT/LVIT) have dominated the market, but they have certain limitations that can be overcome by this new technology. Namely, PCLTs can be used to measure a position on flat or curvilinear surfaces, and can also be extended to 2D measurements, whereas LVDTs are limited to 1D position sensing. PCLT also has a 90% stroke-tolength range, which is 30% better than LVDTs. This could result in a 30 to 60% weight reduction of the sensor.
Get the complete report on this technology at:
Email: nasatech@yet2.com
Phone: 781-972-0600

Question of the Week

This week's Question: This month, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed long-awaited rules on the commercial use of small drones, requiring operators to be certified, fly only during daylight, and keep their aircraft in sight. The ruling,...